SIOUX FALLS – The Aberdeen Cougars came up big when it mattered most for its highest finish in more than two decades at the State Boys’ Hockey Tournament on Saturday afternoon.

The Cougars overcame a two-goal deficit to storm past the Brookings Rangers for a 4-2 victory to capture third place. It was Aberdeen’s first win over Brookings in more than five years and the highest finish for the Cougars since 2003.

“It’s amazing to see them compete like that,” said Aberdeen coach Dana Myhre, “and to think about where they were when the season started to where they ended. Could not be more satisfied with how we played to end the season.”

The Cougars were in a perilous position against Brookings, trailing 2-0 and in search of a goal.

Aberdeen won a faceoff that Trayke Roehrich turned into a goal before Carter Vilhauer scored a short-handed goal to tie the game. From there, the Cougars were not going to be denied.

“It was a remarkable comeback and it only happened because of the effort they gave in the third period,” Myhre said. “Once we got that first goal, you could see the spark, and they just kept working. The second one was a on a penalty kill. Trayke stole the puck and he and Carter were off on a 2-on-1. Trayke made a perfect pass across to Carter and he made a great shot. That one really lit the guys up, and they knew they had a real chance then.

Vilhauer found the back of the net for what proved to be the game-winning goal less than three minutes later on nearly an identical shot. Roehrich then added an empty-net goal when Brookings pulled its goalie in the closing minutes.

Aberdeen goalie Andrew Weisenburger finished with 26 saves in the contest.

“Mostly stayed out of the penalty box and that makes a real difference,” Myhre said. “Great effort by the guys.”

The Cougars played their best hockey at the end of the season and ended up finishing the year on a high note.

“That was a great way to the end the season,” Myhre said, “and a great way for the seniors to finish their careers.”

Aberdeen Cougars 0 0 4 – 4

Brookings Rangers 1 1 0 – 2

First Period: 1, BR, Jay Harris (Jackson Heller, Talon Hyde), 13:04.

Second Period: 2, BR, Mauer Bartley (Carson Kludt, Caleb Johnson), :45.

Third Period: 3, AC, Trayke Roehrich (Carter Vilhauer), 13:02; 4, AC, Vilhauer (Roehrich), 10:28; 5, AC, Vilhauer (unassisted), 3:22; 6, AC, Roehrich (Vilhauer), empty net, 1:43.

Shots on Goal: Aberdeen Cougars 16; Brookings Rangers 28.

Goalies: Aberdeen Cougars, Andrew Weisenburger (26 saves); Brookings Rangers, Ryder Anderson (25 saves).